Hi Folks
Newbie reporting in for some advice. My knowledge of computers can be written on the back of a postage stamp using a thick felt tip pen_ hopefully that gives you some idea of my PC abiliities

My PC is fairly old but runs on XP Windows. It is fitted with a separate CD rom and a DVD player. Over the past 2 YEARS, the PC has gradually stopped playing DVDs and has now packed in playing CDs. The lights are on, but nothing happens.....

I have replaced the IDE cable, but that has had zero effect. I am now considering buying a new DVD rewriter, but I have a sinking feeling that this will not solve my problems, as I find it hard to believe that both the DVD and the CD would both pack in at virtually the same time.

I have uninstalled both lots of hardware and checked the drivers and uninstalled & reinstalled etc, all to no AVAIL.

I have considered resetting the PC, but I don't really want to do this except as a final resort.

So.....before I reset/ chuck the whole lot in the bin and buy another 'tower' system, can anyone suggest anything else I could try which might fix it?

CheersIf the steps listed below won't HELP, the drives are most likely dead.

One of these may help:
1. Uninstall the drive through Device Manager.
Restart computer. The drive will be automatically reinstalled.
or...
2. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060
Restart computer.
or...
3. Download, and run Restore Missing CD Drive patch
Double click on cdgone.zip to unzip it.
Right click on cdgone.reg, click Merge.
Accept registry merge.
Restart computer.
or...
4. Go to Device Manager, click a "+" sign next to IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers.
You'll see two items:
- ATA Channel0 (or Primary Channel)
- ATA Channel1 (or Secondary Channel)
Right click on each of them, and click Uninstall. Confirm.
Restart Windows. They'll be automatically reinstalled.Broni

Many thanks for your excellent TIPS and advice. I have finally worked through all the options, but unfortunately my PC still refuses to play. So, I'm off now to bury it and consider my next option......... Brand new dual-layer DVD burners are about 40 Bucks shipped from newegg...
Install time :10-15 MINUTES....
Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver.patio even offers free on-site installation

...just kidding Only in Sunny California...Golf time!!....LOL